All posts in Manufacturers

Great Weekend for Adidas/TaylorMade Golf…

by Annie Latham on July 14, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Manufacturers, More..., TaylorMade with 1 Comment

It was an outstanding weekend for Adidas and TaylorMade Golf.  To start, Paul Goydos became the fourth player in PGA Tour history to shoot a round of 59 in competition — relying heavily on his TaylorMade Rossa Monza Spider putter.

“I’ve used the model now for over two years. I’ve had a couple of different ones, but for the most part that’s the same putter,” he said.

Other TaylorMade Golf sticks in his bag:

Driver: TaylorMade R9 (9.5 degree; Aldila NV 65 shaft)
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade R9 3-wood (13 degree)
Hybrids: TaylorMade Rescue TP FCT (17 degree) and TaylorMade Rescue TP (21 degree)
Irons (4-PW): TaylorMade R9
Wedges: TaylorMade TP xFT ZTP (54 and 58 degrees)

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For the LPGA U.S. Women’s Open, Paula Creamer tamed the greens of Oakmont (PA) using her new TaylorMade Daytona Kia Ma Ghost putter.  She averaged just over 30 putts per round (1.68 putts per hole).

In a Golfweek story, she was quoted saying, “Last week I went through two putters, and the week before I had a (Odyssey) 2-Ball. I went back to just the standard-looking putter. I think that helped a lot, because there is so much going on in these greens that you just have to focus on that.”

An off-the-shelf version of the Creamer putter runs $300 at The Golf Warehouse.

The rest of Paula Creamer’s equipment included:

Driver: TaylorMade R9 SuperTri (10.5 degree; Graphite Design Tour AD prototype shaft)
Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Burner 3-wood (15 degree; Aldila NVS 65 shaft); TaylorMade R9 5-wood (19 degree; Aldila NVS 65 shaft); TaylorMade r7 7-wood (20 degree; Nippon GT 700 shaft)
Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue TP FCT (25 degree; Fujikura 270 shaft)
Irons (5-PW): TaylorMade R9
Wedges: TaylorMade rac (54 degrees); Titleist Vokey (58 degrees)

One last note…  On the TaylorMade Golf website, the company claims to be the manufacturer of the #1 Driver on the tour.

Off the golf course, Adidas had a huge day (and month) with their ball being used for the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

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Cobra ZL Driver Photo Gallery

by James on June 15, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers with 2 Comments
Cobra Zero Limits Driver and Headcover

Cobra Zero Limits Driver and Headcover

The Cobra ZL Driver (Zero Limits) is a solid piece of equipment. I can say that with certainty now, after having tested it numerous times on the range, and on the course. The feel off the face is solid, and making adjustments to the club face is fast (and easy). One other thing I’d like to note today is the trajectory of the tee. It’s piercing, and the ball looks like it never wants to come down. It goes without saying, I’m loving it.

While I’d love to blab on and on about the Cobra ZL Driver, I’m going to save that for a later date. What I’d like to do now is share some photos with you. Go ahead and take a look-see below. I hope you enjoy!

The ZL Driver, bag with AFT face adjustment tool, and headcover

The ZL Driver, bag with AFT flight adjustment tool, and headcover

The ZL and black suede bag containing the face adjustment tool

The ZL and black suede bag containing the face adjustment tool

A look at the face of the Cobra ZL

A look at the face of the Cobra ZL. '9 hotter points'? You betcha!

ZL profile view

3/4 Profile view of the Cobra ZL

The sole of the Cobra ZL Driver

The sole

Another look at the sole!

Another look at the sole!

A closeup of Cobra's AFT Technology (Adjustable Face Technology)

A closeup of Cobra's AFT Technology (Adjustable Flight Technology)

Adjusting the face of the ZL

Adjusting the face of the ZL

Changing the face to the closed setting

Changing the face to the closed setting

The head and shaft

The head and shaft

The driver head, shaft and adjustment tool

The Aldila Voodo stiff flex shaft

The Aldila Voodo stiff flex shaft

A view from behind

A view from behind

The stylish headcover that comes with the ZL

The stylish headcover that comes with the ZL

So there you have it! Hope you enjoyed this photo gallery of the Cobra ‘Zero Limits’ driver. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter – An Overview

by James on June 13, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Putters, TaylorMade with 2 Comments
The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Earlier this month (June 2010), TaylorMade introduced the Rossa Corza Ghost putter. You may have spotted it in play on the PGA tour over the past few weeks… remember that strangely white putter you noticed on TV? That’s the Rossa Corza Ghost putter!

I can already hear you saying, ‘so what’s the deal with the white?’. TaylorMade breaks it down for us nicely on their site. Here are the key points as to why the Rossa Ghost putter should help you on the greens:

  • the contrast of the white head against the green makes it easier to see the topline and target line
  • the contrast of the 3 black alignment lines against the white crown makes it easier to aim
  • a circular hole through the head works with the alignment lines and ball to make it easier to aim
  • 2 outer alignment lines are one ball-width apart, making it simple to align your ball with the center of the face to promote solid contact
  • an AGSI+ insert negates backspin and promotes forward spin for better roll

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Easier to lineup and aim you say? The ball will come of the face with a true roll too? Sign me up! While I haven’t rolled the rock with the Rossa Corza Ghost putter as of yet, I am somewhat dying to get my hands on one.

Key specs on the Rossa Corza Ghost putter:

  • Loft: 4 degrees
  • Lie: 70 degrees
  • Offset (mm): 3/4 shaft
  • Length: Available in 33, 34 and 35″

Top View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

I have to admit, when I first noticed Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose with one of the new Rossa Corza Ghost Putters in-hand, I was heard to remark ‘what the heck is that!?’ They really do have a unique look to them, with the white clubhead and all. But hey, if the contrast in color helps you with alignment, then all the more power to this new bit of gear. Heck, I suppose it worked for Justin Rose last week at the Memorial, right?

In the end, I break it down like this: If the Odyssey 2-Ball had a baby with traditional Rossa styling, the Rossa Ghost is what we’d get. At least, something like that 🙂

I’m looking forward to what TaylorMade has in-store for the ‘Ghost’ line of Rossa putters. With the success the putter has had already on tour, they’re no doubt prepping other models with a fresh coat of white paint and AGSI+ inserts!

Face View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

For more information, visit TaylorMade.

Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid: First Impressions

by James on June 10, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Hybrids with 1 Comment
The Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid

The Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid

Before I take the Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid to the range, I thought I’d ‘tee off’ on it with my initial impressions. I currently carry a 20* Cobra Baffler Pro Hybrid in my bag, so I’m really curious to see how it performs in comparison. The club that Cobra sent my way is the new 17* Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid… and it looks sharp.

Besides the obvious difference in loft, the other major difference between the two Cobra hybrids in my possession are the shafts. My 20* baffler has a stock stiff steel shaft, while the new Rail Hybrid is packing a Fujikura Motore graphite shaft in a stiff flex. The difference in weight will be obvious, so it should be interesting to see what I prefer. I know it’s more of a personal choice… From my point of view I always shafted my hybrids with steel, as I considered them part of my pseudo iron set… Will the graphite shaft perform for me? Will I enjoy the feel and performance of the graphite? You’ll just have to wait and see!

While I’m talking shafts, I might as well touch on the shaft options available on the Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid. It comes stock with the Fujikura Motore (in your choice of regular or stiff flex), and both of these shafts have a mid-kick point, weigh in at 65 grams, carry a 5.0 torque rating and produce mid to high launch conditions. For those that maybe don’t have the fastest of swing speeds, a ‘Lite’ flex is also available, and this one offers a low kick point, weighs in a 60 grams, carries a 5.0 torque rating and offers a high launch trajectory. If the Fujikura Motore shaft options aren’t for you, Cobra also offers quite a few custom shafting options. You can check out the options (including shafts from Aldila, Fujikura, Graphite Design, NS and True Temper) in this PDF (go to page 4 under ‘Baffler Shafts’).

Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid with Fujikura Motore Shaft

Finally, I simply have to mention the sweet looking headcover on the Baffler Rail Hybrid. I snapped a quick photo of it below… it certainly puts the previous generation of Cobra headcovers to shame 🙂

Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid Headcover

Stay tuned for more photos and a thorough review of the Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid. Can’t wait for the first practice session with it in the bag!

Special thanks: To Terra and the team at Cobra-Puma Golf for the continued support!

Bridgestone Golf Tour Trio Top Money Lists

by Annie Latham on May 25, 2010 in News, Bridgestone with No comments

Bridgestone Golf has made it known that their Tour Team currently boasts three players ranked #1 on the Champions Tour, LPGA Tour and Nationwide Tour money lists, respectively.

Fred Couples has done so, relying on the Bridgestone Tour B330 golf ball which is optimized for  112+ MPH swing speeds, and J38 Dual Pocket Cavity Back irons.

In addition, Ai Miyazato, Bridgestone Golf worldwide tour team member, is the top money winner on the LPGA TOUR, having won 3 of the first 6 events of 2010. Miyazato trusts her game to a full bag of Bridgestone Tourstage equipment.

Rounding out Bridgestone’s “terrific trio” is Nationwide Tour rising star – Kevin Chappell. Through 9 events on the 2010 Nationwide Tour, Chappell has recorded 4 top 10’s including his first professional victory at the Fresh Express Classic.  Chappell’s equipment arsenal includes the Bridgestone Golf Tour B330-S golf ball, which is optimized for 103 – 115 MPH swing speeds, J38 driver, irons and wedges.

This is a nice little victory for Bridgestone Golf.  Titleist still rules the PGA Tour for the most part.  But 3 out of 4 isn’t bad!

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Details of what’s in their respective bags:

Fred Couples
Champions Tour: Cap Cana Invitational
Driver: TaylorMade R9 460 (8.5 degrees; Fujikura Speeder 757 shaft)
Fairway Wood: Callaway FT-i (15 degrees)
Iron (2): TaylorMade Tour Burner
Irons (3-PW): Bridgestone J38 Dual Pocket Cavity
Wedges: Callaway X-Forged (54 and 58 degrees)
Putter: TaylorMade Rossa Imola 6
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B330
Footwear: Ecco Golf Street Premier

Ai Miyazato
LPGA: Tres Marias Championship
Driver: Bridgestone Tour Stage X-Drive (9.5 degrees; Graphite Design Tour AD shaft)
Fairway Woods: Bridgestone Tour Stage X-Drive 701 3-wood (15 degrees; Graphite Design Tour AD shaft)
Hybrids: Bridgestone Tour Stage F-UT (20 and 22 degrees)
Irons (5-PW): Bridgestone Tour Stage X-Blade GR C-1 (Nippon N.S. Pro V-90 shafts)
Wedges: Bridgestone Tour Stage X-Wedge (52 and 58 degrees)
Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG Teron
Ball: Bridgestone Tour Stage X-01G+
Footwear: Ecco Classic Hydromax (Champ spikes)
Glove: Bridgestone Tour Stage GLTX80

Kevin Chappell
Nationwide Tour: Fresh Express Classic
Driver: Bridgestone X-Drive 701G prototype (9.5 degrees; UST Mamiya ATTAS prototype shaft)
Fairway Wood: Bridgestone J33 3-wood (14 degrees; True Temper Project X 8A4 shaft)
Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue TP FCT (19 degrees; True Temper Project X HC1 hybrid shaft)
Irons (3-PW): Bridgestone J38 prototype
Wedges: Bridgestone J38 (54 and 60 degrees)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 SLT T10
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B330-S
Footwear: Adidas (Softspikes cleats)

Source:  The Tour Van

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Be Like Phil: Buy the Limited Edition ProType Putter

by Annie Latham on May 6, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Odyssey, Putters with No comments

Callaway Golf announced the introduction of the Odyssey® ProType™ 82 Putter, a limited edition design inspired by the same model Phil Mickelson used to win his third Green Jacket. There will be only 82 right-handed and 82 left-handed ProType putters will be available for purchase in the United States starting on Monday, May 10 at 11:00 AM ET (8:00 AM PT).  The asking price is $500.

Anyone, interested in owning one of these limited edition putters can sign up to be eligible for purchase on a first-come basis at OdysseyGolf.com. Each of these 164 individually numbered, limited edition putters features a green highlight on the sole, a nod to Mickelson’s win at Augusta earlier this month.

The ProType 82 features Odyssey’s new White Ice insert, with a Tungsten weight behind it, along with a single white sightline that stretches from the face of the putter down the back flange-a look requested by Mickelson himself. These limited edition PT 82 putters will also come with a Phil Mickelson Limited Edition headcover and a Black Series grip, identical to what the four-time major champion used to win at Augusta.

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It’s Official: Introducing Cobra-Puma Golf

by James on May 6, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Style & Fashion, Cobra with 2 Comments
Cobra-Puma Golf

Cobra-Puma Golf

We’ve known of the deal for some time now, but it appears as though all of the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted. Today, I received note from my favorite contact at Cobra, informing me of the official announcement of the merger. Welcome to the golf scene, Cobra-Puma Golf!

The purchase of Cobra Golf by PUMA AG means that two very powerful brands will be working together to produce not only killer equipment, but stylish and effective apparel as well. Both brands will continue to be developed separately… But folks from either side will collaborate when necessary to no doubt share in the knowledge and wealth found within each brand.

Honestly, I’m quite excited about this merger, and for all of the people at Cobra and Puma. I’ve been a long-time fan of both brands, and joining them together while retaining both brand identities is going to mean great things… I can just feel it.

Keep reading after the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading →

TaylorMade Golf Unveils Easy-to-Aim, Ghost Putter…

by Annie Latham on April 27, 2010 in Golf Equipment, TaylorMade with 1 Comment

TaylorMade Golf, maker of Rossa® putters, has unveiled Corza Ghost, a mallet specially designed to be exceptionally easy to aim, and exceptionally easy to use to roll the ball down your intended line. It was designed with significant input from Rossa Tour Staff professional Dave Stockton, considered the hottest putting instructor in the world.

Corza Ghost’s putterhead is white and has three alignment options that all have high contrast against their backgrounds.   According to  Dr. Steven A. Hitzeman, a professor at the Indiana School of Optometry:

“That high contrast maximizes stimulation to the retina and highlights the head’s shape and features. The contrast would be lower if the putter were black or gray because these colors are closer in luminance to the color of the putting green than white. White creates the biggest difference in luminance, hence maximizing contrast and promoting focus.

Many golfers use the leading edge of the putter as part of their alignment strategy (by positioning the edge perpendicular to the imagined target line). So, this high contrast for the leading edge gives the golfer the best chance of squaring up the putterface at address. Also, the lines on the top of the putter are painted black to achieve maximum contrast against the white surface of the putter. All of these high-contrast alignment elements give the golfer the best possible chance of accurately aiming the putter.”

Being a mallet, Corza Ghost’s high-MOI head is extremely stable on off-center hits and feels extremely solid at impact. Its three alignment lines on the crown function not only to help aim the face accurately, but also to frame the ball in the middle of the face, which promotes solid, center-face contact on every stroke.

Corza Ghost also has the advantage of Rossa’s renowned and tour-proven AGSI+ (Anti-skid Groove System Insert) Technology.  AGSI+ features 14 polymer-filled grooves in the face that “hold” the ball briefly at impact to promote forwardspin for a smoother roll and more accurate results. The AGSI+ insert, in concert with the putterhead’s extremely high MOI, also delivers superior consistency in forward roll on off-center hits, something not shown in tests of other popular putters.

Corza Ghost is scheduled to appear at retail starting in June, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $159. Two more Ghost models – a blade and a mid-mallet – also with white finish and black alignment lines, are scheduled to become available in July.

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Source: TaylorMade Golf

New Arrivals – Cleveland HB3 & CG1 Tour Irons

by Annie Latham on April 23, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cleveland, Irons with No comments

Waiting is the hardest part — both on course and off.  For those looking to hit the links with a new set of hybrid irons, the good news is that Cleveland Golf’s HB3 irons are now available.  The follow-on (and third generation) to Cleveland’s popular HiBore irons, the HB3 irons are lighter, faster and longer than any of Cleveland’s previous iron sets.

The HB3 is a full iron set that uses an advanced internal weighting and has a “forgiving sole design.”

According to a post on Cleveland Golf’s Facebook page, “The HB3 is a super game improvement iron, geared towards higher handicappers. Helps aid in getting the ball up and huge forgiveness.”

The HB3 has an “Action Ultralite” graphite shaft, which is 15 grams lighter with a lower kick point than its predecessor. As a result you get faster clubhead speeds and higher launch angles.

Weight removal on crown & sole recesses allow for internal discretionary weight placement and a 12% deeper face to CG depth than HiBORE XLi irons.

The new sole design provides recessed sections to reduce drag and improve turf interaction while maintaining wide sole characteristics for increased control and forgiveness.

Available at retailers now, the HB3 carry a MAP price of $599 (steel) and $699 (graphite).  For more information go here.


The new CG1 Tour irons are also starting to make their appearance. Inspired by Cleveland Golf’s  PGA Tour players and designed for consistent ball striking, distance control and a new level of forgiveness never seen before in a blade, these split cavity-back long irons and muscle-back mid/short irons maintain a traditional look while providing extra forgiveness with the workability and feel of a blade.

The CG1 Tour features a breakthrough surface roughness technology known as LASER MILLED.  Using the precision accuracy of a laser, each face features four perfectly calibrated texture lines milled between each groove exactly to the conforming roughness limit. This “Laser Milled face technology” optimizes ball-to-face friction and maximizes spin within the Rules of Golf.

Speaking of rules, the CG1 irons leverage a breakthrough milling technology that creates pristine edge for increasing the “ZIP” and ” and shot consistency –especially from poor lies — while conforming to the 2010 USGA groove rule.

The CG1 Tour irons have a MAP price of $799. You can learn more about them here.

Hint: Watch for demo days near you.  With so many new clubs arriving this spring, your best bet is to try a bunch out to find the ones that address the areas of your game that needs help AND feel the best.

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Deal Watch – Callaway Golf Pre-Owned Wedges

by Annie Latham on April 22, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Callaway with No comments

Have you checked out the online store for Callaway Certified Pre-Owned clubs?
There are deals to be had.  In fact, you should sign up for their newsletter so you can get pushes for their special offers.  For example, on Friday, April 23, they are running a deal on wedges where you can get an additional 10% off using the coupon code: WEDGES10.

Just go to this link and shop away.  Types of products include the X-Forged Chrome Wedges, X-Forged vintage Wedges, Forged Vintage Wedges and the Odyssey Divine Line Marxman X-Act Putting Wedges.

The pre-owned clubs come with the same 1-year limited warranty against defects you get with any new Callaway Golf club.   Plus you get a certificate of authenticity.

See for  yourself!

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